Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

In the state of Pennsylvania, is it nessesary to have a lawyer go over a will after someone is deceased? The executor of the will (one of the children) has the official copy of the will and it basically says that all of the assets are to be equally divided between the children (5).


Asked on 6/02/10, 6:22 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

It is not necessary for a lawyer to review the will after the death of the person whose will it is.

However, the estate must be administered. The will should be submitted for filing to the Register of Wills in the County where the deceased lived. When a personal representative or Executor is appointed by the Register, that person should follow the steps required to administer the estate, including paying all debts and taxes before any of the assets in the estate may be distributed.

In order to make sure that the personal representative is aware of all debts of the decedent, the estate should be advertised. Creditors have one year from the date of advertising in order to present their claims.

If the personal representative distributes assets without going through all of the administration, the personal representative will be personally liable for unpaid debts of the estate.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

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Answered on 6/02/10, 9:44 am


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